The Ranger

In this second book in Nancy Vo's Crow Stories trilogy, a ranger and a fox form a special and unexpected friendship while navigating an indifferent and dangerous wilderness.

In this memorable and beautifully illustrated story, a ranger comes across a fox caught in a trap. The ranger frees the fox and promises only to tend to its wounds. The fox recovers and remains curiously close to the ranger, and when unexpected twists occur, the fox ends up being the helper. The ranger asks the fox, "Does this make us even?" and almost immediately feels regret--keeping score has no place in friendship. And so the two continue their journey together.

In this second book in the Crow Stories trilogy, Nancy Vo explores themes of friendship and how meaningful bonds form when we can openly give and receive. Vo's stunning, spare illustrations are a delight, and complement the journey of these two nuanced characters toward understanding and companionship.

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

Nancy Vo was born in the prairies and ranged to the West Coast. As a child, she enjoyed stories featuring brave characters, but later realized a truth about herself: she was far less adventuresome and liked her creature comforts. So by day, she works as a facility planner. At ungodly hours in the night, she gets to draw characters who have grit. She enjoys good coffee and bad puns. She is the author and illustrator of The Outlaw and now The Ranger, the first two books in the Crow Stories trilogy. Nancy lives in Vancouver.